Wednesday, May 24, 2006

I'm in Little Rock, Arkansas for my FamilyLife Today taping. Elizabeth Marquardt, author of Between Two Worlds, and I will be talking to hosts Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine about the the effects of divorce on children. Our programs will air in about six months. I'll be sure to let you know when you can tune in!

Last night, my new friend Amy picked me up at the airport and we set out for dinner. We ended up at Doe's Eat Place, which gained national fame during the Clinton campaign. It's a little hole-in-the-wall place. As we were enjoying our HUGE steak, the guys at the next table keep peering over at our table. After the third time, they told us that the photo on the wall was off one of the guys, and the photo was taken by the other guy. The photo was taken in Iraq. Seemed like good photo op so here it is. The soldiers are John Edwards (left) and Russel Betts (right).

Sunday, May 21, 2006

My mom recommended this movie. I could tell from her email that it really hit home with her. We don't always agree on movies, but I put it on my list.

Last night I was hanging out with a friend. She mentioned that she had rented a few movies, and wouldn't you know, an unfinished life was one of them.

I can see why it resonated so strongly with my mom. The movie explores themes of forgiveness, making peace with the choices we've made and how those choices affect others. In one poignant scene, the main character (who lost her husband in a car accident, and has since made a series of poor choices in boyfriends) says to her daughter, "I always think of you first!," to which the daughter replies, "Then it should start to show."

Earlier in the evening, at church, the message was on parenting. One of the key points was the influence of modeling and that 80% of children cite their parents as the #1 model for their moral ideals.

Something I've been mulling over for awhile is the idea that we have two opportunities with each choice we make. First we do something, then we choose to either reinforce or repair that action. For example, if I get into a disagreement with someone and say something rather unloving, I did something wrong, probably more out of emotion than choice. However, if I choose not to go back to that person, apologize and make amends, then I am intentionally choosing to reinforce that hurtful sentiment. From a spiritual perspective, I believe our conscience (empowered by the Holy Spirit) brings to mind when we're in need of repairing a situation. If we choose to follow through, to repair the harm we've done, we maintain our sensitivity. If we choose to ignore those promptings, we harden our hearts and it becomes more difficult to do the right thing.

What I like about this movie is that every character has a pretty understandable reason to be bitter or angry about life's circumstances, and it realistically shows the consequences for how they choose to respond to the life they've been given.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Tammy Bennett started a ministry called Christian Co-Parenting a few years back to help divorced parents make wise and healthy decisions to minimize the effect of divorce on their kids.

On Saturday, June 3, her ministry will be hosting a seminar for divorced parents, pastors, counselors and others who live and work with families affected by divorce. I will be there to present the children's point of view.

The seminar is free, and lunch is provided, but you do need to pre-register. If you're in the Nashville area, I hope you'll come out. It's Tammy's dream to host more events around the country. If you're interested in hosting in your city, please contact Tammy directly at tammy@christiancoparenting.com.

Monday, May 01, 2006

So last night I was at my friends' house for our weekly West Wing fix. I plopped down on the couch not observing the shelf behind it. THWAP! I clunked my head pretty good. I saw a bright light and got myself a doozy of a headache. Twenty-eight hours later...still have the headache. And yeah, I called my doctor. Of course, with my head injury history, it was off to the ER. One CT later, it's official...slight concussion. Good grief! I'm going to have to start wearing a hard hat!

On a more serious note, I'm pretty sure I'm fine, but I'd appreciate your prayers just to be sure!